The team that wins the third-place match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take home $29 million in official FIFA performance prize money. The losing team in that match, which finishes fourth, will receive $27 million. FIFA has already confirmed the prize-money distribution for every stage of the expanded 48-team tournament, making it clear how much the top four teams will earn based on where they finish.
FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place prize money explained
The third-place playoff is the final game for the two teams that lose their World Cup semifinals. While they miss out on a place in the final, there is still plenty to play for. Along with finishing on the podium, the winning team also receives a bigger financial reward.According to FIFA, the team that wins the third-place match will earn $29 million in official performance prize money. The team that loses the match and finishes fourth will receive $27 million.The difference between third and fourth place is $2 million. Although both teams leave the tournament after the same stage, the result of the playoff decides who gets the higher payout and the bronze-medal finish.Some reports have mentioned a higher amount for the third-place team. That is because FIFA is also providing a separate preparation payment to every qualified nation before the tournament begins. However, that money is different from the prize awarded for a team’s final position. The official performance prize for finishing third remains $29 million.
FIFA World Cup 2026 prize money for the top four teams
FIFA has released the full prize-money structure for the tournament’s top four finishers.
- Champions: $50 million
- Runners-up: $33 million
- Third place: $29 million
- Fourth place: $27 million
The winning team will receive the biggest reward after lifting the World Cup trophy. The runners-up will earn $33 million, while the two semifinal losers will receive either $29 million or $27 million depending on the result of the third-place playoff.The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition with 48 teams, and FIFA has increased the overall prize pool compared to previous tournaments.Even so, the performance payments for the top four teams are clearly separated from the preparation funding given to participating nations. That is why the official amount attached to a third-place finish stays at $29 million.
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